Mediterranean Fava Bean & Herb Stew
A vibrant stew that celebrates the earthy sweetness of fava beans with fresh thyme, garlic, and a bright lemon finish, perfect for spring gatherings. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 300 minutes pairs pound dried fava beans, tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried fava beans
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse 1 pound of soaked dried fava beans. In a large Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 bay leaves, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 4 cups of vegetable broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Add the drained fava beans, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and stew has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Fava Bean & Herb Stew take to make?
Total time is about 300 minutes (60 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Fava Bean & Herb Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound dried fava beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Fava Bean & Herb Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mediterranean Fava Bean & Herb Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mediterranean Fava Bean & Herb Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
